NDSU Livestock Systems Specialist Karl Hoppe says preparation for weaning calves begins with vaccinations. “The number one thing they always need to be concerned about is vaccinations and pre-vaccinations for the major cattle disease that we have out there,” said Hoppe. “It really does make a difference that vaccines are put into our calves, both an initial dose as well as a booster dose.” Hoppe notes that once calves are purchased and mingled with calves from other farms, there’s a greater risk without vaccination. “Our calves are always sold to somebody at some point, where they’re usually co-mingled with somebody else’s calf. These diseases that we can vaccinate for are the most prevalent ones, and any vaccination like that is hugely beneficial.”
